Monthly Archives: February 2016

Every month I will look at a different methods of assisting weight loss.Month by month you can compile a working list of useful methods of weight control. Please bookmark this site and keep in contact by email if you would like to comment or receive further information.‘Knowlege is power’ and knowledge about slimming is the power key to achieving your optimum weight. Why is weight control important?The two main reasons are ‘health’ and ‘beauty’ . Of these two ‘health’ is more important than ‘beauty’ because when you attain your perfect weight you will automatically be at your optimum radiating your own inner beauty.In the coming months I will explore all the factors individually which contribute to weight loss but other than dieting and exercise there are many other less important aspects which can contribute to weight loss. To begin with I am going to give 12 dieting suggestions and tips which can give you a good foundation for approaching weight loss.

1. Don’t skip breakfastResearch shows eating breakfast helps you control your weight. Some people skip breakfast because they think it will help them lose weight, but missing meals doesn’t help us lose weight and isn’t good for us as we can miss out on essential nutrients. It could also encourage us to snack more throughout the day because you feel hungry.

2. Eat regular mealsSome people think missing meals will help them lose weight, but it’s been shown eating regularly during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar.

3. Eat plenty of fruit and vegFruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – three essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals.

4. Get more activeStudies show regular activity is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing numerous health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you can’t cut through diet alone.

5. Drink plenty of waterPeople sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. You should aim to drink about six to eight glasses (1.2 litres) of fluid, preferably water, every day – or more if it’s warm or you’re exercising.

6. Eat high-fibre foodsFoods containing lots of fibre can help keep you to feel full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils.

7. Read food labelsKnowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options, and keep a check on the amount of calories, fat, salt and sugars you eat. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan.

8. Use a smaller plateStudies show people who use smaller plates tend to eat smaller portions and are still satisfied. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it’s full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full.

9. Don’t ban foodsDon’t ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There’s no reason you can’t enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance.

11. Cut down on alcoholDid you know a standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate, and a pint of lager has about the same calorie count as a packet of crisps? Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain.

12. Plan your mealsPlan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. Try to plan for four to seven days’ worth of meals and snacks. Make a shopping list, but don’t shop when you’re hungry as that can lead to high-calorie impulse buys!

Please try and integrate the above advice into your daily routine. Next month I am going to take a close look at the Calories in specific foods and suggest how you can best stick to a Calorie controlled diet plan.